Walmart new eastern business unit to be headquartered in Atlanta

Walmart headquarters new eastern business unit in Atlanta, names Brewer president

Atlanta -- Walmart's new eastern business unit, which spans almost 1,600 stores with 560,000 associates in 20 states stretching from Florida to Maine, will be headquartered here.

This eastern business unit will be led by Atlanta veteran Rosalind Brewer, president of Walmart East and evp of Walmart U.S.

"With the busiest airport in the world and a central location, Georgia is the ideal destination for our eastern business unit," Brewer said. "Atlanta has a strong history of corporate and divisional headquarters and we're delighted to join this group and spotlight the city within our global organization."

In her new role, Brewer is responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the eastern business unit, including growth opportunities in store innovation, people development, supply chain and real estate.

She joined Walmart in 2006 as regional vice president, responsible for operations in Georgia, and was soon promoted to president of the southeast operating division. She later led the south business unit of Walmart U.S. as executive vice president and president before being appointed to her current role.

Prior to joining Walmart, she worked for Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Molson Coors Brewing Company. She serves on the board of trustees for Spelman College and the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. And, in 2010, she was named one of Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women."

The 20 states within Walmart's eastern business unit's jurisdiction include: